Evaluation of PCR and multiplex PCR in relation to nested PCR for diagnosing Theileria equi

Conventional PCR (PCRTeq) for diagnosing Theileria equi and multiplex PCR (M/PCRTeq-Bc) for diagnosing T. equi and Babesia caballi were comparatively evaluated with nested PCR (N/PCR-Teq) for diagnosing equine piroplasmosis. In DNA sensitivity determinations, in multiple dilutions of equine blood that had tested positive for T. equi, PCR-Teq and N/PCR-Teq detected hemoparasite DNA in the larger dilutions (1:128), but did not differ significantly from the M/PCRTeq-Bc (1:64). In analyses on equine serum tested by ELISA, there was high agreement between this serological test and PCR-Teq (k = 0.780) and moderate agreement with N/PCR-Teq (k = 0.562) and M/PCRTeq-Bc (k = 0.488). PCR-Teq found a higher frequency of T. equi both in extensively and intensively reared horses, but this was not significant in relation to N/PCR-Teq (P>0.05), and both PCRs indicated that there was an endemic situation regarding T. equi in the population of horses of this sample. PCR-Teq was only significantly different from M/PCR-Teq-Bc (P<0.05). PCR-Teq presented high sensitivity and specificity, comparable to N/PCR-Teq, but with the advantage of higher speed in obtaining results and lower costs and risks of laboratory contamination. This accredits PCR-Teq for epidemiological studies and for determinations on affected horses

Steam sauna and mother roasting in Lao PDR: practices and chemical constituents of essential oils of plant species used in postpartum recovery

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Fundamental in traditional postpartum recovery in Lao PDR is the use of hotbeds, mother roasting, steam sauna and steam baths. During these treatments medicinal plants play a crucial role, but little has been published about how the treatments are carried out precisely, which species are used, the medicinal properties of these species, and the medicinal efficacy of their chemical constituents.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Sixty-five interviews, in 15 rural villages, with women of 4 different ethnic groups were conducted to survey confinement rituals, and postpartum plant use and salience. Essential oils from the main species used were extracted using steam distillation and the main chemical constituents characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 10 different species were used by three or more of the ethnic groups included in this study. All species were used in steam sauna and bath, but only 3 species were used in hotbed and mother roasting. Essential oils of <it>Amomum villosum, Amomum microcarpum </it>and <it>Blumea balsamifera </it>were found to contain significant amounts of the following terpenes: β-pinene, camphor, bornyl acetate, borneol, linalool, D-limonene, fenchone, terpinen-4-ol and α-terpinene.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Many of these terpenes have documented antimicrobial and analgesic properties, and some have also synergistic interactions with other terpenes. The mode of application in hotbed and mother roasting differs from the documented mechanisms of action of these terpenes. Plants in these two practices are likely to serve mainly hygienic purposes, by segregating the mother from infection sources such as beds, mats, stools, cloth and towels. Steam sauna medicinal plant use through inhalation of essential oils vapors can possibly have medicinal efficacy, but is unlikely to alleviate the ailments commonly encountered during postpartum convalescence. Steam sauna medicinal plant use through dermal condensation of essential oils, and steam bath cleansing of the perineal area is possibly a pragmatic use of the reported medicinal plants, as terpene constituents have documented antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.</p

Prevalence of Hydatid Cysts in Slaughtered Animals from Elbehera Governorate, Egypt, with a Focus on Histopathology and Molecular Characterization of Camel Cysts

Cystic echinococcosis is a worldwide zoonotic infection that triggers significant economic losses in animals. The study’s goal was to reveal the infection with hydatid cysts in animals slaughtered in Elbehera Governorate, Egypt, as well as perform histopathology and molecular characterization of camel cysts using the cox-1 and G1Y162 genes. Elbehera governorate had a total prevalence of 0.35%. Kom-Hamada abattoir had the highest prevalence of 1.7%. Camels had the highest prevalence of 2.17% among the examined animals. Summer had the highest prevalence, at 0.55%. Females had a higher prevalence than males, except for camels. The older animals were infected at a higher rate than the younger ones, except for the buffalo. Location and season had a significant impact on the prevalence, while sex only impacted the prevalence in cattle and buffaloes. The lung had a higher infection than the liver. The cox-1 and G1Y162 genes PCR reactions provided specific DNA bands, and the sequences were for Echinococcus canadensis. The phylogenetic tree of cox-1 indicated that the Egyptian sequence of Elbehera governorate belongs to genotype 6 (G6) of the Echinococcus complex. The sequence shared an identity percentage of up to 99% with previous Egyptian sequences and other E. canadensis in camels from Iran, Mauritania, Algeria, and Sudan. The phylogenetic tree of the G1Y162 protein sequences confirmed that the Egyptian sequence is E. canadensis. Due to the presence of cysts of zoonotic Echinococcus species in slaughtered animals, stringent health regulations are required to prevent infection in animals and humans. &nbsp